Mental Health Care Package for High School Seniors

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR THERAPY FOR TEENS? 

Scientific evidence shows that teens gain remarkable mental health benefits from interacting with nature during therapy.  Numerous studies indicate that nature offers teens a desirable setting to strengthen emotional resilience and cognitive abilities. Exposure to the natural environment can improve attention and emotion regulation, enhance problem-solving skills and creativity, as well as reduce stress and depression.  Teens experience an increased sense of belonging and connection, better interpersonal relationships, and improved physical health as a result of outdoor therapy.  

(See all benefits of therapy on the beach)

ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE PACKAGE:

Senior year is a uniquely challenging time for most teens given the various layers of new life stressors, which offer an opportunity to learn coping skills that they could use as they become more independent and for the rest of their lives. 

The program is personalized based on the needs identified during the initial assessment and may be altered according to additional/different needs that arise through our work.  Here are some skills a teen might learn in this program, based on topics that come up regularly in therapy with high school seniors:

• Develop healthy studying habits and time management skills.
• Reduce test anxiety and social anxiety.
• Manage stress related to the college application process.
• Learn how to ask for what they need.
• Prioritize a healthy lifestyle, including a good night's sleep.
• Balance their time with increased family and friend obligations. 
• Explore their values surrounding social media use, sex, use of alcohol and other substances, and other relevant social constructs.
• Deal with the anticipatory anxiety as they await responses from colleges.
• Prepare for campus visits and start establishing connections to form a new community.
• Set healthy boundaries and expectations in their relationships.
• Prepare for goodbyes and set realistic expectations with friends and family.
• Find a sense of home while away at college.

My approach is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, focused on  adjusting mindset, improving self-compassion, and making choices that benefit them in the long-run.

These sessions are held both in person and/or online, depending on availability.  The best time to start is during the summer before senior year to maximize the benefits of all that's learned. Given their many commitments, high school seniors often don't have time for weekly therapy sessions.  This program offers the option for weekly meetings or monthly intensive extended sessions.  

MUST BE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OLD.